Introduction:
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is just a serious crime that carries stiff penalties in Maine. If you’re convicted of a DUI, you may be facing jail time, hefty fines, and the suspension of one’s driver’s license. Understanding the state’s maine dui laws will help make certain that you stay safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble. Here’s an breakdown of the thing you need to learn about maine dui laws.
Maine’s Legal Drinking Limit
In Maine, it’s illegal for drivers 21 years of age and over to work a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) amount of .08% or higher. For drivers under 21 years old, the legal drinking limit is significantly lower—just .02%. Drivers that are found operating a vehicle with either of those BAC levels will soon be charged with Driving Underneath the Influence (DUI). Additionally, all drivers must submit to chemical tests if requested by police officers after being arrested for suspected drunk driving. Refusal to submit to such tests may result in additional penalties and fines.
Consequences for DUIs
The effects for DUIs depend on whether or not it’s your first offense. For first-time offenders, they could face up to 364 days in jail and fines which range from $500-$2,000. Furthermore, their driver’s license is likewise suspended for up to 90 days. For second-time offenders within 10 years of their first offense, they can face 5 years in prison and fines between $1,000-$4,000 in addition to having their license suspended for 2 years. In regards to third-time offenders within 10 years of the previous convictions, they are able to face 10 years in prison with fines ranging from $2,000-$5,000 while having their license suspended for 6 years.
Implied Consent Law
Under Maine’s implied consent law drivers are expected by law to submit to chemical tests when asked by police force officers following an arrest made on suspicion of drunk driving. Refusal to take such tests can lead to additional penalties including increased punishment if convicted in addition to suspension of one’s driver’s license for up to 3 years even when he/she was found not guilty at trial due to lack of evidence obtained from chemical testing results.Furthermore, refusal can also be used against someone during trial if he/she refuses before being given Miranda warnings and again after being informed by police force officers about the implied consent law.
Conclusion:
Understanding the DUI laws in Maine is important so that you can stay safe on the roads and avoid any legal trouble should you ever get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. The legal BAC limit is .08% or older for those 21 and over although it drops down significantly at only .02% for many who are younger than 21. Additionally, refusing chemical tests can result in additional penalties even though one isn’t guilty due to not enough evidence obtained through testing results which supports explain why one must adhere to such requests when asked by police force officers following an arrest made under suspicion of drunk driving based on implied consent laws in this state. In regards time getting behind the wheel remember not just is it illegal but it may cost you dearly too!